'Socialites drink and then vomit such statements'

Aug 01, 2013, 00:52 IST
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Team MiD DAY

Author Shobhaa De was the target of several unsavoury comments and personal attacks after she remarked about Mumbai's statehood on Twitter

“MAHARASHTRA and Mumbai??? Why not? Mumbai has always fancied itself as an independent entity, anyway. This game has countless possibilities,” tweeted socialite, author and columnist Shobhaa De yesterday.

Tweet talk: Shobhaa De’s tweet (pictured blow) garnered caustic reactions from politicians, some of whom rebuked her for her opinion. The author, meanwhile, received 143 retweets on the social networking website

The tweet, which came a day after Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh to become the 29th state of the country, has churned a furore among several city-based as well as some national political leaders who have slammed the author for her innocuous tweet and left her speechless. Here are some of the reactions from the leaders:

Such thoughts should be killed at that very moment. If she has the courage and guts, she should come out on the streets of Mumbai and reiterate her statement. There will be no Shobhaa left after that.

It’s not about being a man or a woman, it’s about the thought. This clearly shows the lack of awareness among English news chatroom people about the history of Mumbai and the lives lost to get Mumbai to be a part of Maharashtra.-- Nitesh Rane, leader of the Swabhimaan Sanghatana

We have written a letter to the Chief Minister asking him to take stringent action against De. These socialites down pegs and vomit such statements. Sena has the power to show her her right place.-- Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena spokesperson

Though I do not agree with her statement, Mumbai does need to be given a special status. However, with this I would also like to say that everyone has the right to speak their mind and people threatening her should be in their limits and the government should take action against those people threatening De.-- Abu Asim Azmi, Samajwadi Party chief

MNS chief says Raj Thackeray went a step further and attacked De by saying that creating a new state is not as easy as getting a divorce and the author would understand that.

Common man speaks I personally feel that there was no need for Shobhaa De to start this debate as it will benefit political parties. Such comments will only create unwanted tension.-- Amey Sawant

It’s not quite right to think of separating Mumbai from Maharashtra. These kinds of statements should not be made.-- Amanpreet Singh Chadha

I completely agree with her statement and believe that in this country we all are free to express what we feel. However, it is not right for a political party to threaten her like this.-- Deepika Sahu

De should have leant the history of Maharashtra before tweeting. But at the end of the day, she is free to express her views.-- Leena Gidh

Though it was said in a sarcastic manner, it could be taken in another way. Why not suggest that Chembur be separated in that case? If this continues, our country will end up having 100 different states.-- Shinivas Sharma